Part Three: Chapters 1-3: Summary

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In 1949, Sal embarks on another journey to Denver. He finds employment at a fruit market, where he toils for extended, grueling periods. During the evenings, he strolls through the vibrant African-American and Mexican districts of Denver, yearning to be something other than a disenchanted "white man."

Sal finds himself involved with an affluent young lady. Recognizing his unhappiness, she generously provides him with a hundred dollars for his journey. Once again, Sal sets off for San Francisco, and upon reaching the border between Colorado and Utah, he describes witnessing God manifested as enormous, golden sun-scorched clouds hovering over the desert.

Sal reaches San Francisco and, at 2 a.m. and raps on Dean's door. Dean resides with Camille in a snug, small home where they face challenges. The couple is expecting their second child. Camille wants Dean to stop his wild ways and is brought to tears upon Sal's arrival.

Dean reveals to Sal that for an extended period, he was fixated on Marylou, following her throughout San Francisco and secretly watching her as she engaged in intimate relationships with others. In a desperate move, he presented her with a firearm, asking her to end his life, but she declined. During a heated exchange, Dean attempted to strike her, but his blow only grazed her head, causing him to break his own thumb. The injury was not treated correctly, resulting in a chronic osteomyelitis infection. Consequently, Dean has to wear a sizable bandage on his hand, with his thumb protruding upwards. Due to his inability to carry out manual tasks, Camille is now responsible for financially supporting the family.

The moment Sal shows up, a massive argument erupts between Dean and Camille. She forcefully ejects both of them from her home. Dean and Sal laboriously lug their suitcases and a hefty trunk down the street. Sal believes that, while Dean seems indifferent to everything, he simultaneously holds a deep concern for everything in essence. According to Sal, Dean is a part of the world, and nothing could change that.

Sal extends an invitation to Dean to join him in New York before proposing that they journey to Italy as a duo. With one book under his belt, Sal confidently claims he can secure funds from his publisher. Dean initially regards Sal with skepticism but ultimately recognizes the genuine concern in Sal's eyes. Assuring Dean of his dedication, Sal solidifies their bond. The pair then embark on a cable car adventure together.

Sal and Dean opt to spend two days indulging in excitement in San Francisco before departing for New York. They make plans to link up with their friend, Roy Johnson, who possesses a car and can drive them around. However, Roy's wife, Dorothy, is irate with him for accompanying Sal and Dean.

They visit Galatea and discover that Ed Dunkel has departed once more, this time accompanied by Tommy Snark. Despite this, Galatea remains in love with Ed and is confident he will return to her. She expresses her anger towards Dean, scolding him for his irresponsibility. Dean, however, simply chuckles in response. Sal comes to Dean's defense, viewing him as the "Idiot" saint and their group's "HOLY GOOF." Sal explains that Dean epitomizes "Beat"β€”the essence and spirit of beatitude. He emphasizes that Dean's future lies in the "tattered and ecstatic delight of pure existence."

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Part Two, Chapters 7-9: Summary

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Part Three: Chapters 4-5: Summary

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